Spiders can scare throughout winter | Home & Garden

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Spiders are associated with Halloween, but the arachnids will most likely be seen throughout the winter in homes due to the warm summer we experienced. Often popping up after people bring holiday decorations or winter clothing out of storage, Terminix, the nation’s largest pest control company, has a few tips for prevention and protection to limit number of infestations and incidents of bites.

Why do spiders invade homes?

Like most pests, spiders are opportunistic and invade homes out of convenience. Human structures often provide a sheltered environment and can provide easy access to other insects.

How do spiders get into homes?

Spiders can slip through very small exterior openings. Common entry points include under exterior doors, through exterior vents and even plumbing lines that enter the home.

How many variations of spiders exist?

There are more than 3,800 spider species in North America.

Are spiders a health threat?

All spiders have poison glands, but few are considered a significant threat to human health. The two most dangerous species are the black widow and brown recluse. Both possess highly toxic venom. Black widow victims often experience nausea, severe cramping, elevated blood pressure and vomiting. The venom of the brown recluse kills living tissue, sometimes leaving victims with painful, disfiguring scars.

What can homeowners do to protect themselves from spiders?

Seal cracks around windows, doors and pipes. Small openings give spiders access to the home.

Eliminate heavy vegetation and piles of debris near the home. These provide an ideal habitat for spiders and can attract them closer to the structure.